Early on the morning of Saturday 21^st May a team from Euromedica gathered at the Pen-Y-Pass car park, just south-east of Llanberis in North Wales’ Snowdonia National Park, ready to take part in the annual Snowdon 500 challenge in aid of Prostate Cancer.

Following a short safety briefing the team set out on the ascent of the UK’s highest mountain outside of Scotland, accompanied by a grey and foreboding sky. The forecast was for a dry morning, but with wind and rain coming in late afternoon.

With the cloud base at around 700 meters, Snowdon’s summit was hidden from view as they made their way past ruined mine works and up to the beautiful lake of Llyn Llydaw.

In the second hour, the route started to steepen as the weather closed in. It was now clear that the bad weather was coming much earlier than met-office predictions. The touristy lower path gave way to mountain track, with several proper ‘scramble’ steps, requiring 3-points-of-contact as the wind picked up.

On reaching the cloud base, visibility dropped to less the 40 yards, adding an intensity to the atmosphere. After the Miner’s path merged with the Pyg track, another of Snowdon’s famous routes, the team made their push for the top in strong and very unpleasant winds. On gaining the ridge, just below the summit, this turned gale force, accompanied now by rain. After a spectacular last effort in atrocious conditions, the summit was reached. There were hugs and cheers all-round before the descent was undertaken in increasing strong wind and rain.

Despite the horrible weather, we had conquered Snowdon’s 1085 meter peak, raising over £1300 for Prostate Cancer Research in the process.

Please visit: http://www.justgiving.com/EuromedicaSnowdonChallenge